Typhoid Vaccine, Oral/Injection TY-foyd vak-SEEN

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: vaccine

Generic and brand names: typhoid vaccine; Typhim VI; Vivotif

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given to provide protection against typhoid infection. It may be taken by mouth in people 6 years or older or given by injection in people 2 years or older. Typhoid is spread most often through infected food or water. Typhoid may also be spread by close contact with someone who is infected, such as people living in the same household. People who work in laboratories, or those who are traveling to parts of the world where typhoid fever is common may be at risk of getting this infection.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before receiving this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• a weakened immune system from diseases such as HIV/AIDS or from taking immunosuppressant medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection, cancer medicines, radiation therapy, or steroid medicines to treat arthritis
• any problems involving the nervous system, such as seizures
• bleeding problems (if you are receiving the injection form of this vaccine)

If you are severely ill, wait until you recover before getting this vaccine. Tell your healthcare provider if you currently:

• have an infection of any kind
• have diarrhea, vomiting, or other stomach problems
• are taking antibiotics
• are being treated for malaria

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

If you have the capsules, take them exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. You must take all 4 doses to be protected against typhoid. The last dose must be taken at least 1 week before you are exposed to typhoid infection. Take each dose 1 hour before a meal on an empty stomach. Do not take this medicine with hot drinks. Do not break, crush, or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. If you are at high risk for typhoid infection, you may need a booster (repeat the 4 doses) every 5 years. Keep all appointments.

Do not drink alcohol within 2 hours of taking this vaccine.

The shot is given by your healthcare provider. You must receive the shot 2 weeks before you are exposed to typhoid infection. If you are at high risk for typhoid infection, you may need a booster shot every 2 years. Keep all appointments for shots.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose and you remember it the same day, take it as directed. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

Talk with your provider about how long to wait before you receive other vaccines after taking this vaccine. Some vaccines may be given at the same time as this vaccine.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): High fever (over 103°).

Other: Low fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache, mild rash, tiredness, redness, pain or swelling where you receive the injection.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• antibiotics such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin), azithromycin (Zithromax), cefdinir (Omnicef), cefixime, cephalexin (Keflex), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (Ery-Tab), levofloxacin (Levaquin), rifampin (Rifadin), sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim; Bactrim DS; Cotrim; Cotrim DS), and sulfadiazine
• corticosteroids such as betamethasone (Celestone), cortisone, dexamethasone, fludrocortisone (Florinef), hydrocortisone (Cortef), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisolone (Orapred), prednisone, and triamcinolone (Aristospan, Kenalog)
• immunosuppressants such as azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune, Neoral), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), sirolimus (Rapamune), and tacrolimus (Prograf)
• medicines to treat cancer such as cisplatin, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), hydroxyurea (Hydrea), vinblastine, and vincristine
• medicines to treat malaria such as chloroquine (Aralen), mefloquine (Lariam), and proguanil (Malarone)
• radiation therapy

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

If you have the capsules, store them in the refrigerator. Do not let the medicine freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.